Goldenseal Herb - History, Information and Facts

History indicates that Native Americans used the goldenseal herb for its medicinal properties as well as an effective coloring agent. Goldenseal was very popular among the Eclectics who claimed that it had properties to cure cancer and inflammations of the breasts.

Recorded history indicates goldenseal, when used in combination with other herbs, especially red clover, was effective in treating certain cancers.

Some others believe that goldenseal was extremely useful in curing digestive disorders like catarrhal, infection of the stomach, constipation, cirrhosis of the liver, uterine disorders, gallstones, and various other disorders in women like menorrhagia and metrorrhagia.

Documented history also indicates that the goldenseal herb has been effective in treating and curing goitre in pregnant women.

To summarize, the historical use of goldenseal was to mainly to treat conditions resulting from mucous membrane disorders of the respiratory tract, digestive tract, bladder, uterus, and rectum.

According to the ancient Indian medical system of Ayurveda, echinacea and goldenseal were used in combination - goldenseal was used with echinacea root for the purposes of blood purification and to treat various skin conditions.

Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM indicates the goldenseal herb being used for the purposes of reducing blood glucose levels, thereby effectively treating patients with diabetes.

The botanical name of goldenseal is Hydrastis canadensis. The generic name, Hydrastis, is a derivative of two Greek words, "water" and "to accomplish", which explain its properties of working effectively on the mucous membranes.

The goldenseal plant has bright yellow roots which is why it is also referred to as yellow root, ground raspberry, Indian dye, yellow eye, orange root, eye root, warnera, wild Curcuma, and wild turmeric.

The bitter-tasting rhizome, referred to as the goldenseal root, is the part of goldenseal that is used for its medicinal purposes.

The chemical composition of goldenseal contains three active alkaloids called Hydrastine, Berberine and Canadine. It also contains some amount of fatty oil, essential oil, and resin.

The goldenseal is referred to as echinacea's partner since it works in combination with echinacea in increasing the body's resistance to infections.

Goldenseal can be cultivated in rich and well-drained soils. For best results, the goldenseal herb should be planted in artificial shade or beside other large trees.

Due to the increasing popularity and demand for it, there continues to be an acute shortage of the herb goldenseal. Its commercial viability has resulted in the goldenseal being harvested indiscriminately from its natural resources and it is today considered an endangered species.

Other interesting facts and information about goldenseal

For a while, goldenseal was considered to mask or cover up the presence of certain illicit drugs in the bloodstream of athletes, race horses, etc. However, no such properties have been found in goldenseal thus far and, due to severe lack of scientific evidence, this theory has been disproved.

In an effort to protect the endangered goldenseal herb from further extinction, it is advisable to stop digging up and uprooting the entire goldenseal plant for its uses. Botanists and scientists are working together to farm and cultivate goldenseal in woodland areas and meet the demand without endangering it further.

The health benefits of goldenseal and other aspects of the herb are covered in the other related goldenseal articles.

Goldenseal Pages | Goldenseal Herb - History, Information and Facts | Health Benefits of Goldenseal - includes ways to obtain them | Health Benefits and Goldenseal Properties - Research and Studies | Possible Goldenseal Side Effects, Precautions and Contraindications

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